The tears were very near to her eyes and they were audible in her low voice. Dick Hazlewood was quick to answer her.
"Good! For there's need of none. Will you ride to-morrow?"
Stella took her hands from his and moved across the room towards the great bay window with its glass doors.
"I should love to," she said.
"Eight. Is that too early after to-night?"
"No, that's the good time," she returned with a smile. "We have the day at its best and the world to ourselves."
"I'll bring the same horse round. He knows you now, doesn't he?"
"Thank you," said Stella. She unlatched the glass door and opened it.
"You'll lock it after me, won't you?"
"No," said Dick. "I'll see you to your door."
But Stella refused his company. She stood in the doorway.